BOZEMAN — The rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines continues across the state of Montana. And at the Springs Living in Bozeman, that’s worth celebrating.
“We’re so excited. I mean this is history in the making,” said Terek Beckman, Executive Director, The Springs Living in Bozeman.
Residents and staff at The Springs Living in Bozeman lined up for their first round of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Tuesday morning.
But walking into the assisted living facility, felt like more of a celebration.
And residents and staff say that’s the point.
“Almost all the residents and the staff are getting that vaccine so everybody is very excited,” said resident Rolly Rounds just before he received his first dose of the vaccine.
CVS setup the clinic inside of the facility.
And the Springs anticipates around 200 people will get their first round of vaccines, including over 70% of staff.
“We know that going into a brand new vaccine there’s going to be some apprehension and so we spent a lot of time educating our staff just making sure they knew the facts going into this,” said Brenda Connelly, chief operating officer at The Springs Living.
The Springs says they have every confidence that the second round of vaccines will be available for everyone who needs one in 21 days.
And are grateful for the staff who’ve kept charging forward no matter what obstacle.
“Our staff when they go out, they’re not going to restaurants, they’re not going to bars, they’re actually being careful because they don’t want to bring it back here,” said Beckman.
Big band music played in the lobby, which was filled with red balloons.
One for every resident getting their vaccine.
Residents acknowledged there’s still some time until things get back to normal.
But seem to agree on the first thing they plan to do:
“Hug the grandchildren. Spend time with our family,” said resident Phyllis Rounds.
“Seeing my kids. And particularly my grandkids. And doing a little traveling,” said Ervin Hrasky, another Springs resident.
